Martin Landsky

While most use words like glacial and metallic to describe the German minimal techno aesthetic, Steve Bug's Poker Flat label has added the words warm and aquatic to the list. Compositionally, not much has changed from older labels like Kompakt and Profan, but by rounding off the drum sounds and adding melodic keys along with funky bass, Bug and his cohorts make techno that is tight enough for the boys, yet loose enough for their girlfriends. This compilation, the second for the label, draws from the previous half-dozen releases, meaning that while it sounds contemporary, it also can lull away into sameness. This is unfortunate, since there are some excellent tracks. The Martini Bros.' "Flash" makes the biggest impact, straying from the formula to incorporate dirty synth basslines and a terrific Bowie-esque vocal (think "Fame"). Martin Landsky, who mixed this compilation, contributes two tracks, "Sweet Sweet Morning" being the best example of when the Poker Flat style works, with a circular conga pattern that really is hypnotizing. But proportionally disappointing is the remix exchange between Bug and techno icon Richie Hawtin. Hawtin removes most of the warmth from the original "A Night Like This" (also included on this disc), while Bug removes the edginess from Hawtin's terrific old acid track "Hypno Freak." Poker Flat has jumped ahead of many labels when it comes to making new and interesting music. And it has found favor with DJs and fans. But at the time of Vol. 2's release, the still adolescent label didn't yet have the broad catalog needed to pull off another compilation CD so soon. ~ Joshua Glazer, All Music Guide